For frequent travelers, enrolling in a Trusted Traveler program can save time and make trips more efficient and less stressful.
These government-run programs allow pre-screened, low-risk approved travelers to move through airport security and border crossings faster using dedicated lanes and streamlined screening.
Applicants must undergo a background check, attend an in-person interview, and pay an application fee.
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS are the three most popular programs, though they each come with their own pros and cons. I’ve visited nearly 40 countries and travel abroad frequently, so I find a lot of value in my Global Entry membership. But what’s right for me might not be the best fit for you.
Keep reading, and I'll explain what you need to know about each program to help you decide which one is right for you.
In this article
Stick With TSA PreCheck If You Only Fly Domestic
For those who primarily fly domestic, TSA PreCheck is likely the best choice.
Managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), it offers expedited airport security screening to enrolled low-risk travelers.
Members don’t have to remove their liquids or laptops from their bags, and TSA PreCheck security lines are available at 200-plus airports.
To enroll, you must undergo a background check, attend an in-person appointment at an authorized enrollment center, and pay a non-refundable application fee of up to $85. Membership is valid for five years.
If you rarely or never travel internationally, but fly domestically at least a couple of times a year, this program is ideal.
For Most Travelers, the Solution is Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that provides expedited re-entry for pre-approved travelers returning from abroad.
Instead of waiting in standard customs lines, members use designated kiosks to scan their passport, submit a fingerprint, and answer customs declaration questions. They then hand their receipt to a CBP officer for a final review.
In my experience, it’s always been a quick process that takes only a few minutes.
The program is especially useful for frequent international travelers. But here's the best part: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, making it a two-for-one membership deal. At just $35 more than PreCheck alone, it's worth considering even if you only travel internationally every few years.
To enroll, you must submit an application, pay a $120 non-refundable fee, pass a background check, and complete an in-person interview. Membership is valid for five years.
If You Live Near the Canadian Border, Get NEXUS
For travelers living near the Canadian border, NEXUS offers the most useful benefits.
The joint U.S.-Canada program provides expedited processing at dedicated land border lanes, and it also includes Global Entry benefits when returning to the U.S. from any international destination, plus TSA PreCheck perks, all for a $120 application fee.
To enroll, submit an application and pay a $120 non-refundable fee. You'll then need to pass a background check and interview with both U.S. and Canadian officials.
Membership is valid for five years. Since the NEXUS application fee costs as much as Global Entry and the interview is at a NEXUS enrollment center located in the U.S. and Canada, it's a no-brainer for travelers within driving distance of the Canadian border.
How to Save on Application Fees
There are three authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment providers to choose from when scheduling your appointment: Telos, Clear, and IDEMIA. You’ll pay $85 at a Telos enrollment location. But you can save a few dollars by choosing a different enrollment provider. The application fee is $79.95 through CLEAR and $76.75 through IDEMIA.
Application fees for Global Entry and NEXUS are waived for minors when a parent or guardian is enrolled or has a pending application. Children 17 and younger don’t need to apply for TSA PreCheck. They can use TSA PreCheck lanes when booked on the same reservation as an enrolled parent or guardian.
Many popular travel credit cards also offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.
To qualify for reimbursement, you must pay the application fee with your card, and you’ll automatically be credited the cost back. The Capital One Venture Rewards card will reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve will reimburse TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application fees.
Know What to Expect
If you’re interested in applying for a Trusted Traveler Program, ensure you understand how it works, what to expect when applying, and how much it costs to apply.
You should also consider your travel habits so you choose the right program for your lifestyle. Once you’re in, to use your program benefits, all you need to do is add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your flight reservation so the TSA PreCheck indicator prints on your boarding pass.
The Shortcut
Trusted Traveler programs let pre-screened travelers skip the long lines at airport security and border crossings, but not all three programs are created equal.
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS are the most popular programs.
Your ideal program depends almost entirely on how and where you travel.
Many travel credit cards cover the cost of the application if you pay using the card.
